# Vrikshamla

> Vrikshamla (Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy (also includes reference to Garcinia cambogia/gummi-gutta)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Clusiaceae (Guttiferae) family. Garcinia cambogia (G. [Pharmacological Activity of Garcinia indica (Kokum): An Updated Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959738/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy (also includes reference to Garcinia cambogia/gummi-gutta)
- **Family:** Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Garcinia cambogia (G. gummi-gutta) is under regulatory scrutiny in multiple countries (Health Canada, TGA Australia, France) due to hepatotoxicity reports. G. indica (kokum) is listed in Indian food regulatory frameworks and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. WHO adverse drug reaction database contains hepatotoxicity case reports for Garcinia/HCA.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Vrikshamla |
| Latin/Botanical | *Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy (also includes reference to Garcinia cambogia/gummi-gutta)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)
- [Garcinol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#garcinol) (polyisoprenylated benzophenone)
- Isogarcinol
- Cyanidin-3-sambubioside
- Cyanidin-3-glucoside ([anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins))
- Hydroxycitric acid lactone
- [Citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid)
- Cambogic acid
- Xanthochymol
- Kokum butter ([stearic acid](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stearic-acidstearic-acid)-rich fat)

## How does it work?

- Anti-obesity action via HCA-mediated inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), blocking de novo fatty acid synthesis and suppressing appetite
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) activity via garcinol-mediated HAT inhibition, NF-kB suppression and induction of apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway
- Anti-inflammatory effects through garcinol-mediated inhibition of COX-2, iNOS, NF-kB and STAT3 signaling cascades
- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) action via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) phenolics protecting against lipid peroxidation and endothelial dysfunction

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-obesity and weight management use partially validated through HCA-mediated lipogenesis inhibition in preclinical models; clinical evidence is mixed
- Digestive and carminative use validated through gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic studies
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed through garcinol-mediated COX-2 and LOX inhibition in preclinical models
- Cardioprotective use supported by antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effects in high-fat diet animal models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Lim SH, Lee HS, Lee CH and others 2021. [Pharmacological Activity of Garcinia indica (Kokum): An Updated Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959738/). *Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [34959738](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959738/) · [doi:10.3390/ph14121338](https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14121338)  
  Updated review confirmed antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/), cardioprotective, antidepressant and [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) effects attributed to garcinol and HCA.
- van Breemen RB, Roe AL, Akhtar N 2025. [Hepatotoxicity of dietary supplements containing Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N. Robson](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41262061/). *Pharmaceutical biology*. PMID [41262061](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41262061/) · [doi:10.1080/13880209.2025.2591467](https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2025.2591467)  
  Systematic review identified 34 case reports of hepatotoxicity including 1 death and 9 liver transplants from Garcinia cambogia supplements; proposed HLA-B*35:01 genetic predisposition mechanism. Note: This primarily relates to G. cambogia but cross-contamination risk exists with G. indica.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- CRITICAL: Garcinia cambogia (G. gummi-gutta) supplements have been associated with severe hepatotoxicity (34 cases, 1 death, 9 liver transplants); France suspended marketing of G. cambogia supplements in 2025. G. indica also contains HCA and cross-contamination/substitution risk exists.
- Kokum fruit rind and kokum butter (G. indica) are traditionally consumed as food in India and are generally well-tolerated at culinary doses. USP recommends cautionary labeling for HCA-containing supplements.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Garcinol
- Anthocyanins
- Citric Acid
- Stearic Acid
- Hydroxycitric acid 
- Isogarcinol
- Cyanidin-3-sambubioside
- Cyanidin-3-glucoside 
- Hydroxycitric acid lactone
- 
- Cambogic acid
- Xanthochymol
- Kokum butter 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (fruit rind powder), Capsule, Tablet, Extract (concentrated), Syrup, Kwatha (decoction)

**Standard Dosage:** 500 mg-1.5 g fruit rind powder or standardized extract twice daily before meals; 250-500 mg HCA (hydroxycitric acid) twice daily for weight management

**Bioavailability:** (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the primary bioactive, has good oral bioavailability (~50-60%) as a water-soluble organic acid. Calcium and [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) salts of HCA have better stability and bioavailability than free HCA. HCA inhibits ATP-citrate lyase and is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract (Tmax 1-2 hours). Garcinol (polyisoprenylated benzophenone) has low oral bioavailability (<10%) due to poor solubility and extensive metabolism; nanoparticle formulations improve this 5-8 fold.

**Optimal Timing:** 30-60 minutes before meals for weight management (HCA acts on appetite and lipogenesis); avoid on empty stomach if GI-sensitive

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized extract containing 50-60% (-)-HCA (as calcium-potassium salt) by HPLC; garcinol >1% in non-HCA-focused extracts; free HCA lactone <10% (stability indicator)

**Shelf Life:** Fruit rind: 18-24 months; HCA salt powder: 24-36 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24-36 months; Free HCA extract: 12-18 months (lactonization risk)

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from moisture and heat. HCA salts more stable than free acid. Avoid storage above 30 deg C to prevent lactonization. Protect from humidity (HCA salts are hygroscopic).

**Marker Compounds:** (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), Garcinol, Isogarcinol, Xanthochymol, Isoxanthochymol, [Citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid), Camboginol, Guttiferone

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction of fruit rind
- Hydroethanolic extraction (40-60% ethanol)
- Calcium/potassium hydroxide treatment for HCA salt formation
- Spray drying for standardized HCA powder
- Supercritical CO2 for garcinol extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) - digestive and metabolic synergy for weight management
- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) - lipid-lowering combination
- Meshashringi/[Gudmar](/herb/gudmar/) (Gymnema sylvestre) - appetite control and glycemic management
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) - bioenhancer and thermogenic combination
- Green tea extract - complementary thermogenic and lipogenic inhibition

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/vrikshamla/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.